On Christmas day, the highly anticipated remake of the 1922 film Nosferatu was released in theatres, reigniting interest in one of horror’s most iconic and influential films. The film was directed by Robert Eggers and includes stars such as Bill Skasgard, Lily-Rose Depp, and Aaron Taylor Johnson (IMDb). This reimagining of the silent classic has captured both longtime fans of the genre and newcomers.
The story is loosely based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. It is known for its perfect encapsulation of the dark and almost tragic tone and atmosphere of the novel, which some adaptations lack. Despite the tragic mood, it also still functions as an effective and unnerving horror movie. The original film faced some controversy upon release after a copyright lawsuit from Stoker, and many copies were destroyed (Forbes).
Like most adaptations, the film faces immense pressure to live up to the original source. Ramapo English teacher Mrs. Casey commented, “I haven’t seen the new Nosferatu yet, but I have seen the original! I really enjoyed the haunting atmosphere and surrealism present in the 1922 silent film, and I hope that the new adaptation can create the same psychological unease and suspense without the addition of more modern practice of using overt violence and gore in horror movies.” The 2024 adaptation of Nosferatu maintains the perfect balance between staying true to the source material and adding new creative elements.
The film’s creative setting is enhanced by the stellar performances, especially that of the vampire Count Orlok by Bill Skarsgard and the female lead Lily-Rose Depp. “The actors really understood their characters and their emotions pushed the narrative of the story,” mentioned Ramapo senior Madeline Klecha.
As the film continues to draw attention in both horror and broader cinematic circles, this chilling remake is a must-watch for any horror enthusiast.
